The boathouse sat at the lake's edge, weathered and smelling of damp wood. A college student lounged behind a stack of paddles and orange life vests.
Nina walked to the front. "Two two-person kayaks and one spot in the teacher canoe."
The student pointed at the vests. "Find ones that fit. Kayaks are on the rack. Canoe leaves in ten."
Getting Thea into a life vest was impossible. The smallest size swallowed her completely.
"This will have to work." Nina pulled the straps tight. "Now you're safe."
Thea looked down at herself without expression.
Kofi and Jake dragged two kayaks to the water. Yellow plastic and faded green, both heavy and awkward.
"You steer from the back," Kofi told Jake. "Use the paddle like a rudder when we turn."
Jake held up his paddle. "Rudder. Got it."
"If we tip over, I can swim," Ruby said.
"That's reassuring."
Kofi walked Thea to the canoe where Ms. Lail waited with two other students. "She goes with you."
